KINGSTON, Jamaica — The 88-year-old Diocesan Festival Choir presented its gala concert at the Church of St Margaret in Liguanea, St Andrew, last Sunday.

This year’s main work was the inspiring Faure’s Requiem.

Under conductor Michael Sutherland, the choir did its best to interpret Faure’s “lullaby of death”. They could have done better with more fixed attention to the conductor and more consistent accompaniment. 

Guest soloist Janine Coombs performed creditably on the well-known Pie Jesu. 

The second half comprised a rich mix of musical treats.

Lift Every Voice and Sing by JR Johnson, a seeming homage to John Rutter with five of his hymn arrangements, our very own Noel Dexter, and even an African piece characterised this less-classical second half.

The choir did well with a number of the pieces, but had obvious tempo issues in a few instances. 

The group holds strength in slow, soft pieces, but these moments were too few within this half. 

The classic Lord, For Thy Tender Mercies Sake by Watkins Shaw was a joy, though ill placed on the programme. 

Perfection might not have been achieved, but the performances held moments of pleasure.

Ann Trouth on keyboard served well with variety in this half; though she too faced tempo challenge in a few items.

The Diocesan Festival Choir is well known for its presentation of classical and sacred music and has a rich history of excellence, which the present membership must continue striving to maintain.

In attendance were present chairman, Suffragan Bishop of Kingston Robert Thompson, who is recovery from an accident abroad, and Mrs Thompson, and his predecessor Archdeacon Emeritus Alvin Stone and his wife. Venerable Patrick Cunningham of St Luke’s Cross Roads and organist Vivian Crawford were also among those at the well-attended evening.

Apologies were tendered for the absence of flautist Albert Shaun Hird and accompanying members of the Jamaica Military Band.